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CHAPTER IV
LIBRARY AUTOMATION AND NETWORKING IN DENTAL
COLLEGE LIBRARIES
4.1 Historical background
4.1.1 Library automation
4.2 Meaning of Automation
4.3 Meaning of library automation
4.4 Definition of library automation
4.5 Objectives of library automation
4.6 Need for library automation
4.7 Advantages of library automation
4.8 Steps in library automation
4.9 Implementing library automation
4.10 Housekeeping operations
4.11 Automated library services
4.12 Barriers of library automation
4.13 Networking
4.14 Library Network: Definition
4.15 Objectives of library networking
4.16 Need for networking
4.17 Contribution by various International networking associations
and Institutions
4.18 Contribution by various National networking associations and
Institutions
4.19 Conclusion
References
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CHAPTER IV
LIBRARY AUTOMATION AND NETWORKING IN DENTAL
COLLLEGE LIBRARIES
4.1 HISOTRICAL BACKGROUND
A process of great change has been taking place today in libraries due the
impact of information technology and application of computers in library work. We
hear a lot about library automation in libraries and library automation is nothing but
application of machines viz. computers to the routine library housekeeping operations
such as acquisition, serial control cataloguing and circulation. Before proceeding into
the depth of library automation, it is necessary to know the historical background of
automation. Automation of library has passed through several of development, which
can be divided into 3 phases:
4.1.1 Experimental Phase (1930-1960)
4.1.2 Local systems Phase (1960-1970)
4.1.3 Co-operative Systems Phase (1970- )
4.1.1 EXPERIMENTAL PHASE (1930-1960)
The first application of automatic data processing equipments in libraries can
be traced back to 1936 when the University of Texas adapted a mechanical system for
its circulation function. In the first half of the 20th
century, i.e. in the early 1960s
library automation began especially in the U.S.A. after the World War II. During this
period, many libraries in North America and in the U.K began to experiment
processing of information by using computers. Many techniques were introduced in
the universities and national libraries. Several of these systems were like tabulators,
sorters; punched cards were used for circulation i.e. for providing books on loan,
serial control, acquisition, cataloguing etc. (Laxminarayan, 1986).
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In the U.K. the Public Libraries of Camden and West Sussex and the
University libraries of Newcastle and Southampton were involved in the Experimental
phase. Many systems such as edge-notched cards, optical coincidence, punched cards,
and early computers developed during this phase failed due to the following reasons:
1 Computer technology at that time was inadequate.
2 Librarians were not sufficiently definitive in their requirements of the
computer based system.
3 Computer people thought that they knew the librarians’ requirements of the
computer based system.
4 It was thought that all the individual systems in a library should be
simultaneously converted to computer based. (Tedd, 1977).
4.1.2 LOCAL SYSTEMS PHASE (1960-1970)
This period applied general purpose digital computer for retrieval of
information. In this era, the computers were applied offline. During this period, many
librarians made use of the computer as a tool in the organization of many of the
library’s procedures. Most of these systems were developed locally, either in an
academic library, special library or public library. In this phase focus was mostly on
acquisition, cataloguing and circulation process. During this phase, OPAC i.e. Online
Public Access Catalogue was in an experimental stage in the U.S.A. During this
phase, Machine Readable Catalogue i.e. MARC came into existence in year 1963 at
the Library of Congress, U.S.A for providing standardization in automation. In 1967,
the Ohio College Library Centre (OCLC) was set up which is an online system which
marked the beginning of cooperative systems and union catalogue. In 1969, the
Library of Congress started distribution of records in the new MARC II format.
(Tedd, 1977).
4.1.3 COOPERATIVE SYSTEMS PHASE (1970- )
In the 1970s there has been an increase in library cooperation and resource
sharing by libraries developing computer based systems. In this phase, designing of
online systems and conversion of batch systems into online mode was done and also
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the growth of library network and databases were seen in these Phase. Here magnetic
tapes and floppy disks were used for storing information. In the 1980s there was in
intensive use of online systems networks, optical disks, CD-ROMs etc. In this period,
microcomputers came to be used in libraries. Late on through Internet and library
networks, all processes of libraries were integrated. (Rajagopalan, 1986).
Kaul (1999) has given the growth of library automation can be better
understood from the following table:
TABLE -4.1
GROWTH OF LIBRARY AUTOMATION
YEAR DEVELOPMENTS
1940-1949
Semi-mechanical applications including edge-notched cards, optical
coincidence, peek-a-boo cards.
1950-1959
Use of punched cards, data processing equipments, early computers and
micro image searching systems.
1960-1969
Application of general purpose digital computers, feasibility studies of
online interactive and advance micro image systems, experiments in
library networking.
1970-1979
Design of online systems and conversion of batch systems into online
mode, growth of library network and databases.
1980-1989
Intensive use of online systems, networks, mini and microcomputers,
optical disks, CD-ROMs, FAX etc.
1990s
Use of internet and library networks aims towards higher levels of
computer application such as recording through electronic media,
artificial intelligence etc.
4.1.1 LIBRARY AUTOMATION
In India, some libraries and information centers made efforts to ‘automate’
their library routines and information services in 1960s with punch card and with a
couple of second generation general computers that were available at Kanpur and
Bombay. INSDOC was the leader in experimenting with computers for their
application in documentation and information work in 1964. Initially they made use
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of the IBM 1620 Model I that was available at IIT Kanpur. The first attempt was with
work on data collected for union catalogue of scientific serial. (Raizada, 1965).
Haravu carried out an experiment with IBM 1620 in computerized data
retrieval as part of this course in documentation and reprography, conducted by
INSDOC, with the cooperation of Raizada who initiated computerization in INSDOC.
The objective of his experiment was to find out the suitability of IBM 1620 computer
for storage and retrieval of data. The program for this experiment was written in
FORTRAN 11 D language. The programming done in this experiment may be
considered under three heads: For storage of data, Retrieval of data and Presenting the
data in an intelligible form. The data on the code sheets was key punched and
verified. (Haravu & Raizada, 1967).
The next experiment carried out at INSDOC in computerization was on
preparing author and subject indexes to Indian Science Abstracts. In 1969, an attempt
was made to develop a complete and integrated program deck to process union
catalogue for Mysore (now Karnataka) using the computer facility at Delhi School of
Economics. It is said that the computer system posed certain problems for this data
file, through finally the main part with indexes was produced. To overcome the
problem of on-line storage limitations, the INSDOC completely redesigned the work
to suit the IBM 360/44 computer at the Delhi University computer centre. (Murty &
Arora, 1974).
Harold Borko of the system Development Corporation Santa Monica
California submitted a paper on ‘Experimental Studies in Automated Document
Classification’ wherein he presented his studies in the use of Factor Analysis- a
mathematical technique for deriving classification categories for a set of documents.
In an automated classification, the class membership is determined on the basis of the
words contained in the documents and the documents can be ordered into classes on
the basis of similarities or differences in vocabulary. He had investigated the
application of factor analysis to these problems of document classification. He
concluded that the techniques of automated document classification can be used to
organize specialized document collections. (Harold, 1966).
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Dr. H.P. Luhn had organized computerized indexes in 1950s. Computers
entered and found some place in American libraries during this decade. However their
use and application was very limited and restricted due to the high cost of hardware
and non-availability of application software packages. During 1960s the cost of
hardware was slashed down and appreciable attempts were made towards
development of library application packages. This led to increased use of computers
in libraries and printing industries. In April 1960 the American Chemical Society
published its ‘Chemical Titles’ through computers. In this direction was seen in
MARC I. In the year 1963 W.K. Gilbert prepared a report on computerization of
Library of Congress. On the basis of this report of MARC I project was started in
1966, and the work of bringing out of the Library of Congress Catalog in Machine
Readable Catalog (MARC) form was started and completed. Now-a-days computers
have become almost essential components of library work in developing countries.
The Indian Statistical Institute, Calcutta was first in India to install a computer
system in 1955, and to develop an indigenous computer in 1964. In India computers
were used in library work for the first time possibly by INSDOC when they
computerized the author and subject indexes of ‘Indian Science Abstract’ in 1965. In
1967 the INSDOC brought out the ‘Roster of Indian Scientific and Technical
Translators’ with the help of computers. In 1978 INSDOC initiated SDI service as a
NISSAT project with Chemical Abstracts and INSPEC data-bases, with the use of
CAN/SDI software of IIT, Madras. In 1970s many libraries ventured in preparing
computerized databases. Through the initiative and financial support of NISSAT
many library networks were initiated and are operative. Notables of these networks
are CALIBNET (Calcutta Library Network) and DELNET (Delhi Libraries Network),
INFLIBNET (Information & Library Network) PUNENET (Pune Library Network)
etc. Among other networks are notable are NICNET, INDONET, SIRNET etc. Now-
a-days many institutions such as DRTC, INSDOC, DESIDOC, NISSAT etc. are
engaged in imparting training for computer application in library work through
regular, sponsored and adhoc courses. The price of computer hardware and software
has been considerably reduced. Owing to these factors computers have become
popular with Indian libraries. (Pandey, 1995).
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The real boost in library automation came from the establishment of
INFLIBNET, Before INFLIBNET; scattered efforts were being made in academic
libraries especially in institution of special characters like IITS, IIMS etc.
INFLIBNET proved a real catalyst by providing finance and laying standards. (Singh,
2003).
4.2 MEANING OF AUTOMATION
The word “automation” has been derived form Greek word “automose” means
something, which has power of spontaneous motion or self-movement. The term
“automation” was first introduced by D.S. Harder in 1936, who was then with General
Motor Company in the U.S. He used the term automation to mean automatic handling
of parts between progressive production processes.
Automation is technology of automatic working in which the handling
method, the process and design of professional material are integrated. This is the
effort to achieve an automatic and self-regulating chain of processes.
According to Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of English
Languages, automation is, “the techniques of making an apparatus, a process or a
system operate automatically”. In other words, it is the machinery that mathematically
manipulates information storing, selects, presents and records input data or internally
generated data. Mechanization of library house-keeping operations predominantly by
computers is known as library automation. (Gove, 1986).
According to Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science,
“automation is the technology concerned with the design and development of process
and system that minimize the necessity of human intervention in operation”. (Kent,
1977)
According to McGraw Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology
It defines automation as “a coined word having no precise generally accepted
technical meaning but widely used to imply the concept, development, or use of
highly automatic machinery or control systems”. (McGraw, 1982)
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According to Webster’s Third new International Dictionary of English
Language Automation is defined as “automatically controlled operation of an
apparatus, process or system by mechanical or electronic device that takes place of
human organs of observation, effort and decision”. (Gove, 1966)
According to the Oxford English Dictionary
It defines automation as “application of automatic control to any branch of
industry or science by extension, the use of electronic or mechanical devices to
replace human labour”. (Simpson & Weiner, 1989).
4.3 MEANING OF LIBRARY AUTOMATION
Library automation, stated in single term, is the application of computers and
utilization of computer based product and services in the performance of different
library operations and functions in provision of various services and production of
output products.
There is a great impact of computers and information technology and its
application on the libraries due to which a process of great change is taking place in
libraries. Modern technology is tending to alter radically the nature of our society and
affect the prevailing economic, political and social values and libraries are also in the
process. Industrialized countries were the first to realize that in the context of stock of
knowledge, classical approaches relating to storage, retrieval and utilization of the
information were no longer adequate and effective and that the solution lay in making
fullest use of new developments in electronics, computer, telecommunications and
micro-recording etc.
Our country is very much behind in computer application in library operations
and services. The reasons could be many; however, the situation is changing fast.
Conditions are turning to be favorable and also the government is laying great
emphasis on modernization, which covers libraries as well. Above all library
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professionals are getting motivated and showing keenness to get trained to take up
computer based work. (Harinarayana, 1991).
Library automation implies a high degree of mechanization of various routine
and repetitive tasks to be performed by human beings. With the advent of automation,
the human intervention is reduced to a great extent. The appearance of computer has
greatly increased the library automation. In addition to computer advancement,
telecommunication and audio-visual technologies gave way to new possibilities in
information handling In India; the use of computers is limited to only some
specialized libraries unlike the case of developed countries. Library automation
includes use of computers and other semi-automatic devices like punched cards to
reprography. These are semi-automatic because human intervention is greater in
extent. So, when we talk of library automation, these days, it is principally the use of
computers; associated peripheral media (magnetic tapes, disks, optical media, etc);
computer based products and services in library work.
4.4 DEFINITION OF LIBRARY AUTOMATION
4.4.1. Library automation may be defined as the application of automatic and
semiautomatic data processing machines (computers) to perform traditional library
house keeping activities such as acquisition, circulation, cataloguing and reference
and serials control. Today “Library Automation” is by far the most commonly used
terms to describe the mechanization of library activities using the computer. (Uddin,
2009).
4.4.2. Encyclopedia of Library and Information Sciences
“Library Automation is the use of automatic and semiautomatic data
processing machines to perform such traditional library activities as acquisitions,
cataloguing, and circulation. These activities are not necessarily performed in
traditional ways, the activities themselves are those traditionally associated with
libraries; library automation may thus be distinguished from related fields such as
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information retrieval fields such as information retrieval, automatic indexing and
abstracting and automatic textual analysis” (Kent, 1977).
4.5 OBJECTIVES OF LIBRARY AUTOMATION
1 To maintain bibliographical records of all the materials, in a computerized
form.
2 To provide bibliographical details through a single enumerative access point
of holdings of a library.
3 To reduce the repetition in the technical processes of housekeeping operations.
4 To provide access to information at a faster rate.
5 To share the resources through library networking.
6 To implement new IT processes to provide high quality information.
4.6 NEED FOR LIBRARY AUTOMATION
From the above definitions, we can say that the need of library automation has
several reasons. Need of computers is present in all areas depending upon its usage.
They range from acquisition control, serial control, and cataloguing and circulation
control. They are also used for library manager’s evaluation of reports, statistics, etc.
For the good administration of the library computers are used in all levels of work.
Above all, the unique characteristics of computer made it the right choice for the
library world. Computers right from the beginning are considered to aid man, in doing
various operations.
4.6.1 Computers help in the following are.
1. Capacity to handle any amount of data and information.
2. Participating in network programmers and resource sharing.
3. Flexibility in information search.
4. Standardization of library procedures.
5. Speedy processing of information and its retrieval.
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6. Provide better bibliographic control at local/regional/national and international
level.
7. Facilitate interdisciplinary nature of research and information.
8. Economic implication of latest information technology.
9. Overcome geographical and other barriers to communication.
4.6.2 The library services, products and increase its awareness to promote the use of
libraries:
1. Avoid retyping if we want to include or delete any matter, thus saving time
and energy.
2. Retrieve much more precise and accurate information in less time as compared
to manual search.
3. Get printed list of a specific subject within a few minutes.
4. Heavy bulk of data can be stored in the computer and thus certain problems,
which arise with storing records in wooden cabinet, are avoided. (Jain, 1987).
Due to these advantages of a computer, computer became a universally
accepted tool to provide assistance to man in all fields. In the field of Library Science,
the need for making use of computers i.e. library automation was felt due to the
following reasons:
4.6.2.1. Traditional methods for handling information are inadequate.
This age is termed as the ‘information age’ because large amount of
information is being generated every moment. This information which is generated is
stored and retrieved in a library which is used by the users. In the libraries, there are
various methods of handling of information like providing reference service,
cataloguing etc. due to the information explosion, these traditional methods of
handling information have become inadequate and hence automation is necessary.
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4.6.2.2. Difficult to update information due to voluminous increase and rise in
degree of specialization.
Due to increase in research activities, and interdisciplinary specialization in
different fields, there is the result of information explosion and due to this it becomes
very difficult for the libraries and information centers to update the information.
Hence library automation is necessary.
4.6.2.3. Techniques are suggested for applying the computers with its advantage
of speed, vast storage capacity and accuracy in library work.
These three, viz. speed, storage and accuracy are some of the characteristics of
a computer, which permits humans to rely on computers in dong certain operations.
4.6.2.4. Need for co-operation and resource sharing.
No library in this world is self-sufficient and therefore to satisfy its users’
demands, the concept of resource sharing comes into existence. In resource sharing
the resources of one library are lent to another library for a stipulated period of time.
So, library automation helps to promote resource sharing by saving a lot of time and
effort of library staff as well as the users. (Verma, & Raj, 1997).
4.6.2.5. Operational advantages of computer are:
(Dhiman, 2003) has given the following operational advantages of computers are.
1. Offers flexibility.
2. Speed up processing.
3. Greater accuracy, efficiency, consistency and improved work control.
4. Reduce repetitive clerical work.
5. Permit bibliographic control, checking and updating.
6. Inability of users to explore unlimited literature and information of interest.
7. Wastage of lot of precious time in handling routine and repetitive library
operations.
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8. To introduce and provide new services revitalize the existing services by
Providing faster access to the resources.
9. Retrieval of information and dissemination of information in user defined
format becomes easy.
4.7 ADVANTAGES OF LIBRARY AUTOMATION
Many activities of a library are routine in nature; a few are repetitive.
Automation of these activities helps in managing the library's resources in a better
way at the same time saving time, money and manpower. For example, once the
bibliographic details like author, title, edition, publisher, price, ISBN number, etc are
entered at the time of ordering, the same data can be used for accessioning,
cataloguing (OPAC), and circulation. Other important factors associated with
automation are speed, and accuracy. One can imagine the time saved in literature
searches and in preparing bibliographies. Automation also offers freedom from doing
repetitive and routine works as well as enables providing efficient services properly
and more efficiently cutting down time and improving productivity Automation also
facilitates generation of a number of reports for better decision making in the effective
management of the library. Availability of various statistical and other usage reports
and performance reports will ensure better appreciation from library users. For
example, vendor performance analysis is possible. Subject-wise or project
department-wise budget can be monitored. Circulation data can provide information
on titles that are in great demand so that more copies can be procured if needed. Many
current awareness services like current additions, contents of books and journals, etc
can also be provided to users. (Moorthy, 2004)
4.8 STEPS IN LIBRARY AUTOMATION
Since automation of a library is an important and essential step, it should be
properly planned and implemented. Hence, while considering library automation a
series of steps have to be undertaken as follows:
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4.8. 1. FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE SYSTEM
The aim of feasibility study is to determine if this is achievable, if the benefits
outweigh the disadvantages and to examine alternative solutions. It is designed to
answer these questions:
1. Is the proposed system realistic?
2. Is it necessary?
3. What other options are available?
4. Is it affordable?
The final output of the feasibility study is a report to be presented to the management.
(Large, 2006).
4.8. 2. HARDWARE
When automating the library, the hardware to be procured should also be
given a thought. Today, different types of hardware are available in the market and
due to new kinds of hardware available in the market; the earlier ones are getting
outdated soon. Also, while procuring the hardware, it should be seen whether the
software which will be implemented will be compatible with the hardware procured.
4.8. 3. SOFTWARE
The term software refers to a set of computer programmes, procedures, and
associated documents (flow charts, manuals, etc.) that describe the programme and
how they are to be used. To be precise, software is a collection of programmes to
enhance the working capabilities of the hardware. Software is a set of programmes
written or developed to enable the computer to do desired operations. (Pandey, 1995).
It is one of the most important components which should be taken notice of,
while automation. Today, a number of application software are available in the market
manufactured by different companies of India and abroad with distinct feature and
hence while selecting software.
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Manjunath (2006) has given the following criteria.
3.1 Who has developed the software? Whether institution or company or an
individual?
In such a case, first preference should be given for an institution and second
preference should be given for software developed by a company. Software
developed by an individual should be as far as possible avoided because there
will be no continuity in the software.
3.2 How may times the software has been revised since its first launch?
3.3 How many parameters are available for each module?
3.4 Whether the software has the facility to import bibliographic data available in
ISO 2709 format and at the same time export data in this format.
3.5 Whether the software is user friendly and menu driven to facilitate access?
3.6 Whether training and guidance will be provided after installation?
3.7 If it will be available to operate on major operating systems and in multi-user
environment.
3.8 Whether it is web interface able and supports data security through password?
3.9 Whether it can be interfaced with email system of the campus network?
3.10 How many installations it has got in the country, since when and its major
clients?
3.11 Whether it can offer OPAC and different rights to different logins?
3.12 Cost of the software has also to be taken into account and compared with
different software available in the market. This is important because if
particular software provides good facilities but if the cost is very high, and
software provides the similar facilities with slightly less cost then the later will
be preferred. Therefore, comparative study of the cost factor of different
software should be done before installation.
There are different types of software manufactured by different companies and
institutions, each of which has distinct features.
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Mahapatra & Ramesh (2004) has given the following table provides a list of
different software’s packages used for automation and the name of their
manufacturing companies.
TABLE 4.2
NAME OF THE SOFTWARE AND MANUFACTURER
SR.
NO
NAME OF THE
SOFTWARE
MANUFACTURER PLACE
1 ARCHIVES MIFIFAX Electronics Ltd. Mumbai
2 CDS/ISIS UNESCO Paris
3 DELSIS Libsys Corporation New Delhi
4 GRANTHALAYA NISCAIR New Delhi
5 LIBMAN Datapro Consultancy Service Pune
6 LIBRIS Frontier.I.T. Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad
7 LIBSUITE Softaid Computer Pvt. Ltd. Pune
8 LIBSYS Libsys Corporation New Delhi
9 MAITRAYEE CMC Ltd. Kolkata
10 NEWGENLIB Kesavan Institute of Information
and Knowledge Management
Hyderabad
11 MINISIS International Development
Research Centre
Canada
12 OASIS for DOS Softlink Pvt. Australia
13 SANJAY DESIDOC New Delhi
14 SLIM ALGORYTHMS Co. Pune
15 SOUL INFLIBNET Ahmedabad
16 TULIP Tata Unisys Noida
17 WILISYS WIPRO India Bangalore
4.8.4. BUDGET.
When planning for library automation and networking sufficient funds has to
be provided by the institution or the funding agencies for purchasing of hardware,
software, furniture etc. It should be noted that if sufficient funds are not available for
84
purchasing the entire software, then the library should automate only those areas,
which are of utmost importance and then later on go for overall automation modules.
4.8.5. TRAINING
Manpower or personnel of the library is also an essential necessity. To provide
effective and efficient services to the users, the staff should be provided training about
the computers, how to work on computers, and the essential features of the software
adopted and how the software is used.
4.9 IMPLEMENTING LIBRARY AUTOMATION
Library automation, which started in late 70’s in few special libraries, has now
reached the university libraries. It is yet to take off in college libraries in India.
Library automation refers to the use of computers in the routine and important
services of a library. Automation of a library has mainly two components, viz.
computerization and networking. Computerization will help a library to modernize its
in-house operations while networking will allow it to access other libraries for the
exchange of information.
4.10 HOUSEKEEPING OPERATIONS:
Housekeeping operations of a library include all operations such as
acquisition, cataloguing, circulation and serials control.
4.10.1. ACQUISITION
Acquisition is one of the important functions of any library. The goal of the
library which is to satisfy the users will depend on the acquisition system of the
library i.e. the user of the library will be satisfied only if the library acquires reading
materials based on the users’ demands. Acquisition also results in effective and
efficient collection development of the library and hence acquisition of reading
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materials is an important job and is also highly labour intensive. Therefore automation
in this area is very much required.
(Kimber (1968) has given the major objectives of an automated acquisition
system may be:
1. Elimination of maintenance of several manual files which consumes a lot time
of the staff which intern eliminates may errors in reporting, control etc.
2. Improve accuracy in all facets of acquisition process.
3. More effective and efficient handling of claims and cancellations.
4. More accurate and timely financial data recording, accounting and reporting.
5. Eliminating of the need for manual processing of discount. Foreign exchange
and other invoice data.
6. Improved ability to track orders, receipts, invoice and claims.
7. Improved binding control including maintenance of binding data records,
provision of binding alerts, production of binding orders and tracking.
8. Integration of acquisition with cataloguing and serial control for more
effective bibliographic holdings.
9 To provide necessary management information reports.
10. Improved services to the users through faster, timelier processing of orders
and receipts.
4.10.2. CATALOGING
The library catalogue is considered as a mirror of the library because it reflects
the collection of the library i.e. whether the library possesses good, bad or satisfactory
collection. It is considered to be the base for most of the library activities such as
acquisition, reference, inter library loan etc. In acquisition activity, the catalogue is
referred to avoid duplication of reading materials. In reference and inter library loan
activities, the catalogue is consulted to see reference and other documents which can
be provided on loan or can be consulted to answer reference queries. Hence, the
catalogue is considered as an important tool in the library. So, if automation of the
catalogue is done, then it will be very much beneficial to the users and the staff
wherein they can get the desired information with no time. Similarly if the catalogue
86
is made available in a network environment through LAN, then users can have
simultaneous access to the same database. So also the library staff will appreciate the
automated system since it will eliminate their job of printing the cards, filing the
cards, keeping the catalogue up-to-date, etc. The automated catalogue also conserves
space as compared to the large catalogue cabinet, which occupies a lot of space in the
library. (Saffady, 1988).
OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) is one of the existing aspects of
library automation. OPAC is a catalogue, which is available for searching online.
Such OPAC may be searched from a terminal within the library or at a terminal
elsewhere in the organization remotely via national or international
telecommunication networks. Today majority of the softwares which are used for
automation in libraries provide a separate module of OPAC. With the latest
developments in integrated systems the OPAC is connected to the circulation system
so that the used can come to know whether the document he/she is looking for is
currently available in the library or on loan. OPAC also promotes resource sharing
program and bibliographic search can be done by author, title, accession number,
ISBN, Keywords etc. Search in OPAC is by using Boolean logic or by truncation.
(Hussain & Raza, 2002).
4.10.3. CIRCULATION
The main component of a circulation control system is the transaction of
documents i.e. issue and return of documents. This database contains bibliographic
details of the documents which provide information on titles, authors and publishing
details, which are used in notifying the users about the overdue. Circulation involves
the charging and discharging of library materials, reservations, statistics, sending of
reminders for the over-due material, etc.
Rao (1986) has given the following functions of an automated circulation
control:
1. Provision of information on location of circulation items.
2. Identification of items on loan to a particular borrower or class of borrowers.
87
3. Recording of hold or personal reserves for items on loan but desired by
another borrowers often with additional provision for notifying the library
staff when the item is returned and printing a ‘book available notice’ for
mailing to the persons who requested the item.
4. Printing recall notices for items on long term loan.
5. Renewal of loans.
6. Notification to library staff of overdue items and printing of overdue notices.
7. Notification to library staff of diligent borrowers (i.e. those with unpaid fines
or overdue books) either at time of an attempted loan or at time a borrower is
leaving the institution or on request forms the library.
8. Calculation of fines, printing fine notices, recording receipt of fines and
sometimes printing of fine receipt.
9. Calculation and printing of statistics of various types.
10. Analysis of both summary statistics and statistics related to circulation of
particular items for use in acquisition, planning of services and for other
administration purpose.
11. Provision for printing due date slips, automatically generating orders for lost
book or needed addition copies and printing mailing labels for remote
borrowers.
4.10.4. SERIAL CONTROL
Serials are published at regular intervals and the publication is intended to
continue indefinitely. Besides scholarly journals and popular periodicals, serials
include magazines and all other periodical publications as newsletters, newspapers,
annual reports, proceedings of learned bodies, monograph series etc. the term serial
control usually denotes two very distinct aspects: bibliographic control and processing
control. Bibliographic control of serials involve preparation and maintenance of a
central master list of all serial publications which includes full title, short title,
variation form earlier titles, publishers, ISSN, frequency etc. Serials processing
control comprises of acquisition, claims controls, cataloguing, circulation, binding,
weeding out etc. (Vyasamoorthy, 1987).
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4.10.4 a. Problems in serials control:
Serial Management is an integral part of the library operations. It has fewer
titles to handle as compared to acquisition system but must record more details for
each title and hence it is one of the most complex and expensive procedures.
Gupta & Dass (1991) has given the following problems in serials control:
1. All publishers do not bring out periodicals on a particular date.
2. The frequency of publication may change.
3. There may be a change in title.
4. They are sent by post, air-lifted, air-mail or sear-mail and these systems have
their own problems relating to delivery time and misplacements.
5. Foreign journals take about 10-15 weeks to reach the destination by sea-mail
and air-mail is speeding but costlier.
Serial control refers to those jobs, which involve procurement and
management of serials in a library.
4.10.4. b. The functions of an automated serials control system are:
1. Input the data when the library receives issues.
2. Ordering new serials and renewing the presently subscribed journals.
3. Sending reminders to follow up missing issues.
4. Accessioning of individual issues when the library receives them.
5. Cancellation of presently subscribed journals.
6. Controlling of budget spent on subscription binding etc.
7. Binding of issues when a particular volume is complete.
4.11 AUTOMATED LIBRARY SERVICES.
Information services are provided to assist people and enable them in solving
their problems and decision making. Modern libraries and information providing a
variety of documentation and information services to support research and
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development, marketing and trade, management and all other programmes related to
the development of institution.
Mahapatra (1985) has given the following automated services are:
1. Current awareness Service (CAS)
2. Online Search Service
3. Printed Indexes
4. Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI)
5. Inter Library Loan
6. Stock Verification
7. Reference service
4.11.1. CURRENT AWARENESS SERVICE (CAS)
Current Awareness Services are those services which keep the users abreast of
the developments and advances taking place their fields of specialization or in areas
of research in which they are engaged. This method is limited to a few, as it is not
meant to generate comprehensive review of all activities in any subject area. CAS can
be given in various forms such as by title, current content list, indexing and
abstracting etc. In a library by making use of computers the embers can be provided
CAS by sending emails, through various databases, CD-ROMs etc.
4.11.2. ONLINE SEARCH SERVICE
Online search is done through online terminal. The search comprises of a
series of keywords together with Boolean logic. The search strategy or the search
statement should be framed before logging-on. When communication is made by
logging-on, data of the system will be displayed on the screen of the terminal and the
user will be requested to select the required database. As search proceeds the
interaction between the machine and the user goes on and the user gives a series of
commands to which the computer responds.
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Patwardhan (1986) has given the following advantages.
1. Search process is interactive i.e. response form the system is almost
instantaneous. The results are printed at terminal within few seconds.
2. Facility to develop search strategy step by step by evaluating results at each
stage.
3. Availability of large number of databases providing various types of
information like bibliographical data, commercial and full text.
4. User need not have knowledge about computer programming and operational
to search computer files.
4.11.3. PRINTED INDEX
In information retrieval, computers were used for preparation on in-house
indexes i.e. within the library and also for production of indexes for major abstracting
journals. Index consists of a series of terms arranged in alphabetical order. There are
different types of computer produced indexes:
a. KWIC (Key Word In Context)
In a KWIC type index, an entry for a document is made under each keyword
in the title of the document. The computer must be told how to derive the keywords,
these being the words which characterize the subject.
b. KWOC (Key word Out of Context)
In this Index, the keyword remains in the title. This method greatly increases
the size of the index but if there are many entries under one term, it sub-divides the
entries. It is used by many special libraries for indexing reports, journals, patents etc.
(Tedd, 1977).
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c. PRECIS (PREserved Context Index System)
It allows the user to enter an alphabetical subject index at any one of the
significant terms which together make up a compound statement and establish at that
point the full context in which has chosen term has been considered by the author.
d. POPSI (Postulate Based Permuted Subject Indexing)
In this index, depends on word order and relational signs. The order of words
elements in the chain is predetermined and fixed according to the seats, postulate
categories or relational operators. (Sengupta, & Chatterjee, 1977).
4.11.4. SELECTIVE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION (SDI)
In SDI service, the information in a library is matched against the subject
interests of the users; which means that the user receives only that information which
is relevant to his research work. In computerized SDI service, a user profile is
constructed. Simultaneously, document profile is also constructed when documents
are received in the library. Both these profiles are matched by the computer and sent
to the user. Feedback is received from the user. Incase the user is not satisfied then the
profiles are checked and adjusted on the basis of user’s evaluation.
4.11.5. INTER LIBRARY LOAN (ILL)
This is true when number of user increases and means of communication
reduce the barrier of distance, language and specialization. So Inter Library Loan is
provided. Inter Library Loan in automated era can be provided by:
1. Thermal transfer printer with suitable barcode printing.
2. Barcode labels.
All the books should be bar-coded. The pre-printed self adhesive barcode
labels are being pasted on all books, one on title page and another on secret page.
Each member is provided with barcode and matched with the help of a laser scanner
during transaction. (Yadagiri, 1999).
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4.11.6. STOCK VERIFICATION
Stock verification is an important activity in any library. It is one of the most
tedious jobs to be done which involves a lot of time. Traditionally, it took many
months to complete stock verification for a normal collection but with the impact of
information technology, this has been overcome and less time is required
comparatively. By using bar-coding technology, all accession numbers can be saved
in the barcode scanner memory. The most economical and fast way of entering
accession number is to use a mobile bar code reader to scan accession numbers of
books from bar code tags in books. This laser scanner is passed over the bar-coded
books in the stack. The accession numbers of books available in the stack are
recorded in the memory and the accession numbers, which are not in display, are
checked if they are on loan and thereby, the number of missing books is known. It is
also possible now with the proliferation of personal computer to just key in all
accession numbers as and when checked to consolidate the loss in terms of missing
accession numbers. (Sridhar, 1991).
4.11.7. REFERENCE SERVICE
Initially, the reference librarians depended on printed indexing and abstracting
services, bibliographic sources and directories to perform literature search and answer
questions of factual or bibliographical nature. But today it is seen that the important
reference books like encyclopedias, directories, bibliographies, are available in the
non-print format either in the form of CD-ROM or are displayed on the internet. They
can be used as a database for accessing information for answering queries.
4.12 BARRIERS OF LIBRARY AUTOMATION
Library automation brings great changes in the functioning of the library and
proving effective and efficient library services. But in spite of these great advantages,
there are many barriers which occur at the time of implementing the automation in
libraries.
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Ramesh (1998) has given the following barriers faced by the library during
automation.
4.12.1 Fear of adverse impact on employment.
4.12.2 Apprehension that the technology could be too expensive
4.12.3 The library staff has to undergo extensive training.
4.12.4 Lack of support from the management, may be owing to budget constraints
4.12.5 Retrospective conversion of data
4.12.1. Fear of adverse impact on employment
Let us examine each of the points. If we analyze the various jobs such as book
acquisition, technical processing, circulation and reference service one can conclude
that human interference is necessary at each and every step. The only area where
substantial manpower can be saved is the cataloguing. The data entered at the time of
ordering can be used for cataloging with some updating would eliminate multiple card
preparation and subsequent filing. The manpower thus saved can be utilized in
retrospective conversion and later on for analytical cataloguing or introducing new
services. Therefore, there will be no adverse impact on employment.
4.12.2. Apprehension that the technology could be too expensive
There is an apprehension that the technology, both hardware and software
would be expensive and unaffordable. The cost of hardware and software depends on
the level of automation. From the user point of view cataloguing system is most
important and also forms the base for other library activities. Keeping these two
points in view UNESCO developed PC based software titled 'CDS/ISIS' and is
available at a very nominal price to all the libraries in developing countries.
This software which works on a simple IBM compatible PC/XT is also
available on UNIX and NOVELL platform. Recently the WINDOWS version has also
been released. This software can export data in ISO 2709 format and therefore at later
stage if one decides to go in for some other software, data transfer poses no problem.
INFLIBNET has developed public domain library software titled 'ILMS' which is
available on DOS AND UNIX platform.
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4.12.3. The library staff has to undergo extensive training.
The in-house training for handling the software is usually provided by the
developers and one can choose the software which can suit their budget. However,
training for CDS/ISIS is available at INSDOC, INFLIBNET and DRTC. For further
information on training programmes one can contact NISSAT. The training of library
staff also depends on the level of automation. If one decides to go only for
cataloguing a minimum training of one or two week’s duration will enable the
librarians to develop a database and maintain it. With this basic training one can
easily transfer the same data on a server/main machine in a network environment. The
job becomes easy as most of the institutions have systems department with computer
professionals maintaining the network.
4.12.4. Lack of support from the management, may be owing to budget
Constraints
Fourthly lack of support from the management, may be owing to budget
constraints, will be one of the barriers. Here the role of librarians becomes crucial in
convincing the management that the users of libraries will also be the major
beneficiaries of automation. Also, the skill and initiative play a major role in
convincing the management.
4.12.5. Retrospective conversion of data
The fifth reason could be retrospective conversion of data. As mentioned
earlier the manpower saved could be utilized for retrospective conversion and later on
for analytical cataloguing.
4.13 NETWORKING
Networking involves the sharing of computers, peripheral hardware, software
and switching all interconnected with communications channels used to establish a
connection between network users. The end result is the shared use of information and
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resources. The intension of the network is to distribute information to the users
requiring the network services. Computers and telecommunications may be the tools
used for facilitating communication among them. A network mainly consists of three
components viz. transmission media, mechanism of control and interface unit to the
network. The components provide a mechanism to transport information to and from
remote corners. Generally any network must have transport capability, internal
switching mechanism and an ultimate user. Communication from the source host to
the link or destination host occur through the interaction of two machines through
their interface units under a structured set of operation referred to as a protocol. (Rao,
Abhiram & Muralidhar, 1997).
4.13. 1. LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN)
LAN networking is transmission system for linking computers over restricted
geographical area like single rooms, rooms within a building or buildings on a
particular site. LAN normally transmits data in digital form with typical transmission
speeds upto several megabytes per second. It is a combination of cables/connectors,
computers, processors and interfaces, software’s which interconnects computers and
related devices. It regulates flow of information traffic among these devices. Usually
the computers are within 300m of each other because they can be connected by a
cable. A typical LAN connects computers located within half a mile of each other.
LAN is distinguished from other type of data network in that communication is
usually confined to moderate size geographical area. This network is owned by a
single organization. (Mandal, Datta & Podder, 1998).
A library network structure is similar to hierarchical structure which is called
the tree structure in which each segment or nodes is subdivided into two or more
subordinate nodes which can be further subdivided into 2 or more additional nodes.
There can be exception that in network structure a node may have a more than one
parent. The trades off between the simplicity of design of hierarchical structure and
storage efficiency of network structure are more commonly used with mainframe and
minicomputer systems rarely with microcomputers. (Sehgal, 1998).
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4.14 LIBRARY NETWORK: DEFINITION
A library network is broadly described as a group of libraries coming together
with some agreement of understanding to help each other with a view to satisfying the
information needs of their clientele.
UNISIST II working document defines Information network as ‘a set of inter-
related information systems associated with communication facilities, which are
cooperating through more or less formal agreements in order to implement
information handling operations to offer better services to the users.
The National Commission on Libraries & Information Science in its National
Programme Document (1975) defines a network as ‘Two or more libraries engaged in
a common pattern of information exchange, through communications for some
functional purpose’.
4.15 OBJECTIVES OF LIBRARY NETWORK
Potdar & Joshi (1997) has given the following main aims and objectives of a
library network are:
1. To improve resources utilization and service levels to users at the individual
libraries by providing automation facilities in acquisition, serial control,
cataloguing, circulation, user’s services and funds accounting.
2. To enhance resource sharing by providing individual libraries access to
composite databases like union catalogues, CAS and SDI.
3. To provide efficient and reliable means of resource sharing in areas such as
inter library user services, document delivery services, manpower training,
access to national and international databases, and communication link
through publication and inter personal communication and procurement of
micro documents.
4. To facilitate exchange of duplicate publication.
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5 To establish referral centers to monitor and to facilitate catalogue search and
maintain a central online union catalogue of books, serials, non-book materials
of all the participating libraries.
6. To implement computerized operation and electronic services in the libraries
for fast communication of information.
7. To evolve standards and uniform guidelines in techniques, methods,
procedures, hardware and software, services and promote their adoption in
actual practice by all libraries in order to facilitate pooling, sharing and
exchanging resources and facilities towards optimization.
8. To coordinate with other regional, national and international networks for
exchange of information and documents for the use of libraries and users.
4.16 NEED FOR NETWORKING
1. The rate of growth of information and knowledge is faster than before and it is
ever increasing. Hence it has become impossible for each and every library to
procure every document that is published in the library.
2. Another problem is the rising prices of publications, which has affected
collection development in libraries.
3. The budget of the library is not increased and this makes it difficult for the
individual library to provide services from its own collection.
4. Due to the emergence of new subjects, readers require pin-pointed information
that may be available in other libraries.
4.17 CONTRIBUTIONS BY VARIOUS INTERNATIONAL
NETWORKING ASSOCIATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS
A lot of efforts and contributions are made by various associations at
international level UNESCO, IFLA, ARPANET and INTERNET etc.
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4.17.1 UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
In promoting the development of electronic network UNESCO lays emphasis
on policies and strategies to develop the most appropriate methodology to meet
specific need of different communities. It has developed a software CDS/ISIS in 1986
for library automation. UNESCO provides certain standards for software to develop
library automation system so that it has suitable qualities as a ‘documentary database’
system. It has developed data exchange format like Common Communication Format
(CCF). (http://www.unesco.org/webworld/index.5htm accessed on 30/06/2010)
4.17.2 IFLA (International Federation of Library Association and Institutions)
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information
services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information
profession, Founded in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1927 at an international conference; it
celebrated 75th anniversary at the conference in Glasgow, Scotland in 2002. It now
has 1600 members in approximately 150 countries around the world. IFLA was
registered in the Netherlands in 1971. The Royal Library, the national library of the
Netherlands, in The Hague, generously provides the facilities for it headquarters.
IFLA has a Information Technology section which serves to promote and
advance the application of information technology to library information services in
all societies through activities like standards, training, research etc. It supports
updating of databases and initiating information technology workshops. It has been
promoting dissemination of standards, open source software, MARC, digital
preservation and metadata, promote data standards and protocols that will improve
interoperability between systems and facilitate data exchange between library and
other sectors of information creation. (http://www.ifla.org/en/about accessed on
30/06/2010)
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4.17.3 ARPANET (Advanced Research Project Agency Network)
In 1971 the Advanced Research Project Agency (ARPA) created ARPA
Network (ARPANET). This network was created to connect military installations and
universities. Packet-switching was the technique used then. In 1983 it was divided
into separate networks. The Defense Data Network (DDN) and a new ARPANET.
Today ARPANET is completely phase out paving way to Internet. (Satyanarayana,
2003).
4.17.4 INTERNET (International Network)
The Internet is a world wide internet works of computer and communication
networks. It connects a variety of computers with distinctive software and hardware.
These computers worked to allow them to communicate by translating messages into
a mutually understandable language, referred to as communication protocols such a
TCP/IP, HTTP/IP etc. Internet works are multiple networks connected in such a
manner that data can pass between the various networks. The internet is the only
current global-scale internet work.
Now Internet connects millions of people worldwide and offer tremendous
amount of information that can be shared. It allows user to transfer files between
incompatible computers, send messages across the globe, and log into databases
thousands of miles away. Internet provides many services such as E-mail and Telnet.
INTERNET celebrated its twenty fifth anniversary in 1994. (Satyanarayana, 2003).
4.18 CONTRIBUTIONS BY VARIOUS NATIONAL
NETWORKING ASSOCIATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS
A lot of efforts and contributions are made by various associations in India
have contributed whereas on national level, NISSAT, INFLIBNET, INSDOC, IISC,
DESIDOC, DELNET, CALIBNET, NICNET, INDONET, ERNET, VIKRAM,
CSIRNET, BONET etc.
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4.18.1 NISSAT (National Information System for Science and Technology)
NISSAT was launched in 1977 and since then it has been encouraging and
supporting a variety of short term courses in the area of information science and
technology such as application of computer in library and information centers. It has
been promoting information resource sharing in science and technology through city
based library and information networks with emphasis on web based information
content development. It has developed and promoted CDS/ISIS based co-products
like SANJAY; NISSAT has established NACIDS (National Access Centers to
International Database Services) for providing online facility to access international
database services. NISSAT has been organizing various training programs from time
to time about how computers can be applied to library and information activities. The
main function of NISSAT has been to strengthen information services through
information centers to international database services, CD-ROM database facilities
etc. (htpp/itt.nissat.tripod.com/iit0102/mpdo102.htm accessed on 01/07/2010)
4.18.2 INFLIBNET (Information Library Network)
Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) Centre is an autonomous
Inter-University Centre of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India. It is a
major National Programme initiated by the UGC in 1991 with its Head Quarters at
Gujarat University Campus, Ahmedabad. Initially started as a project under the
IUCAA, it became an independent Inter-University Centre in 1996.
INFLIBNET is involved in modernizing university libraries in India and
connecting them as well as information centers in the country through a nation-wide
high speed data network using the state-of-art technologies for the optimum
utilization of information. INFLIBNET is set out to be a major player in promoting
scholarly communication among academicians and researchers in India.
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4.18.2 a. Objectives of INFLIBNET
The primary objectives of INFLIBNET as envisaged in Memorandum of
Association are:
• To promote and establish communication facilities to improve capability in
information transfer and access that provide support to scholarship learning,
research and academic pursuit through cooperation and involvement of
agencies concerned.
• To establish INFLIBNET Information and Library Network a computer
communication network for linking libraries and information centers in
universities, deemed universities, colleges, UGC information centers,
institutions of national importance and R & D institutions, etc. avoiding
duplication of efforts.
• To promote and implement computerization of operations and services in the
libraries and information centers of the country.
• To evolve standards and uniform guidelines in techniques, methods,
procedures, computer hardware and software, services and promote their
adoption in actual practice by all libraries, in order to facilitate pooling,
sharing and exchange of information towards optimal use of resources and
facilities.
• To evolve a national network interconnecting various libraries and information
centers in the country and to improve capability in information handling and
service.
• To provide reliable access to document collection of libraries by creating on-
line union catalogue of serials, theses/ dissertations, books, monographs and
non-book materials (manuscripts, audio-visuals, computer data, multimedia,
etc.) in various libraries in India.
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• To develop new methods and techniques for archival of valuable information
available as manuscripts and information documents in difference Indian
languages, in the form of digital images using high density storage media.
• To optimize information resource utilization through shared cataloguing, inter-
library loan service, catalogue production, collection development and thus
avoiding duplication in acquisition to the extent possible.
• To create databases of projects, institutions, specialists, etc. for providing on-
line information service.
• To encourage co-operation among libraries, documentation centers and
information centers in the country, so that the resources can be poled for the
benefit of helping the weaker resource centers by stronger ones.
• To train and develop human resources in the field of computerized library
operations and networking to establish, manage and sustain INFLIBNET.
• To facilitate academic communication amongst scientist, engineers, social
scientists, academics, faculties, researchers and students through electronic
mail, file transfer, computer/audio/video conferencing, etc.
• To undertake system design and studies in the field of communications,
computer networking, information handling and data management.
• To establish appropriate control and monitoring system for the communication
network and organize maintenance.
• To collaborate with institutions, libraries, information centers and other
organizations in India and abroad in the field relevant to the objectives of the
Centre.
(http://www.inflibnet.ac.in/about/objective.html accessed on 1/07/2010)
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4.18.2 b. INFLIBNET activities
Cholin & Prakash (1997) has given the following INFLIBNET 7 activities are:
1. Financial Support.
INFLIBNET through UGC provides funds for the university libraries for
procuring computer hardware and software. It also helps for converting the
retrospective data into machine readable format. In this way, INFLIBNET provides
funds for automation the university libraries and also provides special grants for
establishing core facility for access to information.
2. Standards
Standards are required to ensure compatibility for interconnection of libraries
and information centers to promote efficiency and effectiveness for easy transfer of
information in a network. When standards are adopted, it reduces the barrier of
information flow. INFLIBNET has provided standards and formats for creating
databases of books, serials, theses and dissertations. Recording of bibliographic
record is done on the basis of CCF (Common Communication Format) which is based
of ISO-2709 format. INFBLINET has finalized that Anglo American Cataloguing
Rules- II are to be used for data entering.
3. Training
INFLIBNET has realized that trained manpower is very much essential for
providing automated services and for this it has been organizing a number of training
courses for the library personnel. In these training courses, the professionals are
trained on the latest technology with hands on experience.
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4. On-site Training
It means a team of technical staff of the INFLIBNET is sent to those libraries
that have procured computers. This team provides all the necessary assistance for
installation of software, database creation, e-mail, online, barcode etc.
5. Application Software
INFLIBNET developed software which can generate a catalogue card
according to AACR-II format when the data is put in ISO-2709 format using
CDS/ISIS. It has also developed SOUL (Software for University Library) software,
which can be used for automating various housekeeping operation, and also provides
OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) which is a great advantage in networking.
6. Union Database Creation Activities
It means INFLIBNET undertakes the activities of development and updating
of union databases for different types of library materials like serials, thesis, and
dissertations of different university libraries. This Union Database at INFLIBNET is
made available for access off-line as well as on-line mode. The INFLIBNET database
can be accessed by ERNET, I-Net GIAS and NICNET connectivity.
7. Integrated Library Management Software
INFLIBNET in collaboration with DESIDOC (Defence Scientific Information
and Documentation Center) has developed an Integrated Library Management System
(ILMS), which is the basic requirement for library automation and networking.
8. Annual National Conventions
INFLIBNET organizes a national convention every year to generate awareness
in library automation. These conventions provide a common platform to the librarians
to interact with each other, assess the progress made in computerization activities and
plan for future. (Francis, 1997).
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4.18.3 INSDOC ( Indian National Scientific Documentation Center)
It is now known as NISCAIR (National Institute of Science Communication
and Information Resources). It has access to 1500 international database on CD-ROM
like LISA, current content, Indian Standards, and US Patents etc. It has computerized
databases, which help in organization of data and its retrieval. In addition it has
designed and developed databases for other organization. Some databases are
available on CD-ROM as well as online like NUCSSI (National Union Catalogue of
Scientific Serials in India), Indian Patent Database (INPAT), and Indian Science
Abstracts (ISA). It has been providing training in library automation, resource sharing
and database creation etc. (http://www.niscair.res.in/ accessed on 1/07/2010)
4.18.4 IISc (Indian Institute of Science)
Indian Institute of Science was started in 1909. It is one of the oldest and finest
centers of its kind in India and has very high international standing in academic
world. It provides computing facilities, catering to increasing demand of high
performance computing. This facility is a symbiosis of computing network, graphics,
and visualization. It consists of supercomputing environment housing computing
systems with sophisticated software packages, connected by powerful high-speed
network. It has online catalogue databases of books and journals which the users can
access. It also comprises of digital libraries with collection like technical reports,
standards, patents, theses etc. (www.iisc.ernet. in accessed on 2/07/2010)
4.18.5 DESIDOC (Defence Science Information Documentation Center)
DESIDOC stated functioning in 1958 as scientific information bureau. It
produces library services like OPAC, CD-ROM search service, document supply
service, resource sharing. It has also developed and maintained bibliographic
databases like OPAC, bibliographic databases of books, reports, conference
proceeding in defence, full text databases etc. It provides training in the areas of
library automation, database development, online search, email, internet use, technical
communication, multimedia development etc. It has developed integrated library
management software called SUCHIKA. DESIDOC took initiative and started
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providing email and internet access to DRDO laboratories spread over the country
through VSNL line connection.
http://www.drdo.org/labs/compser/desidoc/index.5html accessed on 2/07/2010
4.18.6 DELNET (Developing Library Network)
DELNET was started at the India International Centre Library in January 1988
and was registered as a society in 1992. It was initially supported by the National
Information System for Science and Technology (NISSAT), Department of Scientific
and Industrial Research, Government of India. It was subsequently supported by the
National Informatics Centre, Department of Information Technology, Ministry of
Communications and Information Technology, Government of India and Ministry of
Culture Government of India.
DELNET has been established with the prime objective of promoting resource
sharing among the libraries through the development of a network of libraries. It aims
to collect, store, and disseminate information besides offering computerized services
to users, to coordinate efforts for suitable collection development and also to reduce
unnecessary duplication wherever possible.
DELNET has been actively engaged with the compilation of various Union
Catalogues of the resources available in member-libraries. It has already created the
Union Catalogue of Books, Union List of Current Periodicals, Union Catalogue of
Periodicals, CD-ROM Database, Database of Indian Specialists, Database of
Periodical Articles, Union List of Video Recordings, Urdu Manuscripts' Database,
Database of Theses and Dissertations, sample databases of language publications
using GIST technology and several other databases. The data is being updated in each
of these databases and is growing rapidly. All the DELNET databases have been
resident on DELSIS, in-house software developed on BASIS Plus, an RDBMS, the
product of Information Dimensions Inc. of USA which has been provided to
DELNET courtesy National Informatics Centre, New Delhi.
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4.18.6 a. The Main Objectives of DELNET are:
1. To promote sharing of resources among the libraries by developing a
network of libraries by collecting, storing and disseminating information and
by offering computerized services to the users.
2. To undertake scientific research in the area of Information Science and
Technology, create new systems in the field, apply the results of research and
publish them.
3. To offer technical guidance to the member-libraries on collecting, storing,
sharing and disseminating information.
4. To coordinate efforts for suitable collection development and reduce
unnecessary duplication wherever possible.
5. To establish /facilitate the establishment of referral and /or research centers,
and maintain a central online union catalogue of books, serials and non-book
materials of all the participating libraries.
6. To facilitate and promote delivery of documents manually or mechanically.
7. To develop specialized bibliographic database of books, serials and non-book
materials.
8. To develop databases of projects, specialists and institutions.
9. To possess and maintain electronic and mechanical equipment for speedy
communication of information and delivery of electronic mail.
10. To coordinate with other regional, national and international networks and
libraries for exchange of information and documents.
(http://www.delnet.nic.in/objectives.htm accessed on 2/07/2010)
4.18.7 CALIBNET (Calcutta Library Network)
CALIBNET has launched its library network program facilitating remote
online access to holding data of Calcutta Libraries and other specialized databases as
well which is a step towards bibliographic resource sharing amongst Calcutta Library.
It has provided electronic access to globally available information. It has developed
and launched multi user storage and retrieval software ‘SANJUKTA’ to support
CALIBNET centralized database and to provide online access to it form remote
location. A conversion software package ‘PARAPAR’ to support inters change of
108
bibliographic data between US MARC, UNIMARC and CCF files and also from non-
standard formats to standard ones. It has been providing consultative services on
Library and Information Sciences automation and also manpower development for
operating and manning automated Library and Information Science environment
through wide range of graded training programs and courses for individuals or groups.
http://www.itt.nissat.tripod.com/itt9904/calibnet.htm accessed on 02/07/2010
4.18.8 NICNET (National Information Network)
NICNET is a government data network of National Informatics Centre, New
Delhi. It was set up to link government departments for decision optimization. It was
established in 1975. NIC established NICNET in 1977 having regional nodes at New
Delhi, Pune, Bhubaneshwar and Hyderabad, 32 nodes at state and union territory
levels and 700 earth stations at districts headquarters.
This network helps flow of information among all these nodes. The
information flow various from agriculture, water resources, customs, media, socio-
economic conditions to auditing elections etc.
4.18.9 INDONET
INDONET is a commercial computer based network commissioned by the
Computer Maintenance Corporation Ltd. (CMC), with nodes at Calcutta, Bombay and
Madras, which are connected to other cities like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Delhi and
Pune. The Bombay node of INDONET is connected to the international gateway of
Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited. There by facilitating entry to public data networks of
other countries.
4.18.10 ERNET (Education and Research Network)
The Education and Research Network (ERNET) is a project of the Department
of Electronics, Government of India. It connects a large number of teaching and
research institution in the country. It has nodal centres at the five Indian Institutes of
Technology (Bombay, Delhi, Kanpur, Kharagpur and Madras), Indian Institute of
109
Science (Bangalore) and National Centre for software Technology, Bombay and the
ERNET group at New Delhi.
4.18.11 VIKRAM
It is a packet-switched public data network established by Department of
Telecommunications. The initial network would consist of 8 switching nodes and 12
remote access points with its network management centre at Delhi.
4.18.12 CSIRNET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research)
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in planning to set up a
computer communication network for exchange of information among its 40 research
centers. It organizes online database services on subjects such as drugs, toxicology,
food technology, medical plants etc. It would provide electronic mail and have access
to international databases through networking.
4.18.13 BONET (Bombay Library Network)
Bombay Library Network (BONET) was inaugurated in 1992 in order to
facilitate access to the resources of many libraries in and around Bombay. About 50
libraries were covered by this network. Using computer facilities provided by NCST,
any member of BONET can get network access. This access covers electronic mail
and on-line access to remote data-bases, both Indian and foreign. (Satyanarayana,
2003).
110
4.19 CONCLUSION
Automation and networking of libraries are still in their formative stages in
India. Their full impact on libraries and library resources will be known in the course
of time. INFLIBNET, DELNET, and other metropolitan networks are providing
training facilities for computer applications. The Indian Library Association, IASLIC,
and NISSAT have jointly helped academic libraries in the choice of software,
hardware and in manpower training. Every year, INFLIBNET organizes a conference-
CALIBER (Convention of Automation in Libraries) – to discuss issues related to the
computerization of academic libraries. In the first convention of CALIBER, held at
Ahmedabad in February 1994, the Chairman of INFLIBNET, Professor Yashpal, said
that the Government of India should provide more funds for the speedy networking of
higher education, research and libraries. According to him, the progress of
INFLIBNET is far from satisfactory, and so the UGC should provide funds for
hardware and software to accelerate the pace of library automation and networking. In
addition, the plans prepared by the decision-making bodies should be more realistic,
so that they can easily be achieved. The time frame which has been set, and the
expenditure to be incurred, should be fixed keeping in view the fact that capital is
scarce in the nation’s economy. If the above facts are taken into account before
designing any information policy, then the policies are bound to be fruitful.
111
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